Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (8/14)

ILLINOIS

Gov. Pritzker signs more than 40 bills, vetoes four

On Friday and over the weekend, Gov. Pritzker signed over 40 bills, including the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act (HB 0218), a bill that promotes salary transparency and equal pay by requiring businesses with 15 or more employees to include the pay scale in job postings (HB 3129), and an amendment to the Equitable Restrooms Act (HB 1286) that allows gender-neutral designation to multiple-occupancy public restrooms. A full list of approved bills can be found here.

Pritzker also vetoed four bills, including an amendment to the Public Utilities Act  (SB 76), which would’ve lifted the moratorium on the construction of new nuclear reactors. The other bills vetoed are HB 2507, HB 2878, and HB 3643.

The veto press release can be read here.

| AROUND THE STATE

Illinois Supreme Court narrowly upholds assault weapons ban as opponents vow to continue legal fight

“The 4-3 decision was handed down in a lawsuit by a central Illinois lawmaker who argued the ban violates the state constitution,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

After Ohio victory for progressives, Pritzker not ready to push change to Illinois’ threshold for constitutional amendments 

“Progressives across the country are taking a victory lap after Ohio voters resoundingly shot down a Republican-led ballot measure to make it more difficult to pass constitutional amendments. Though he’s happy with the outcome in Ohio, Gov. JB Pritzker said Wednesday he’s not planning to push a constitutional amendment to make it easier to amend Illinois’ constitution,” by The Daily Line.

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Creating a Grant Program for Students Majoring in Technology Fields

“Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 1378, which will create the Illinois Graduate and Retain Our Workforce (iGROW) Tech Act to establish a new program that allows students majoring in technology fields to receive tuition grants,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Illinois EPA Announces Dates of Next Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Funding Round

“The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is announcing that the next funding round for Illinois’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program will open Wednesday, November 1, 2023 and run through Wednesday, January 31, 2024,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Expanding Hospitality Opportunities in Gaming Industry for Formerly Incarcerated Illinoisans

“Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation which will allow individuals with certain felony convictions the opportunity to apply for non-gaming positions at Illinois casinos, largely in the hospitality industry,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

CHICAGO

Johnson appoints Larry Snelling as new top cop, fires health Commissioner Allison Arwady 

On Sunday, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that Larry Snelling, the Chicago Police Department’s chief of the bureau of counterterrorism, will serve as the city’s next superintendent. His appointment must be confirmed by the full City Council.

“Chief Snelling is a proven leader who has the experience and respect of his peers to help ensure the safety and well-being of city residents, and address the complex challenges we all face,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.

On Friday, Johnson let go Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, who helped lead the city through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arwady was heavily criticized for her push for students to return to school, placing her at odds with the Chicago Teachers Union, who are strong allies of Johnson.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

City’s Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice Cox steps down

“Cox, tapped to lead former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Invest South/West initiative, is the third star of her Cabinet to leave Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City land sale for Red Line Extension on the South Side takes step forward

“The Chicago Community Development Commission last Tuesday gave initial approval of the sale of nearly 18 acres of city-owned land to the CTA for $1 to make way for the planned Red Line Extension on the city’s Far South Side,” by The Daily Line.

Tiny homes program highlighted in Lightfoot’s 2023 budget speech yet to reach RFP process

“More than 10 months after former Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced as part of her budget address that the city would launch a ‘first of its kind’ tiny home pilot program in the city, a request for proposals for the program has yet to be released. And city officials will not comment on a timeline for the request to go out,” by The Daily Line.

City Hall wants to put a statue of labor activist Mother Jones in Jane Byrne Park. Jane Byrne’s daughter is not happy about it.

“The plan is facing criticism from the late mayor’s daughter, Kathy Byrne, who argues that the plaza is too small for a statue and that it’s inappropriate to honor a woman who opposed giving other women the right to vote at a park named after the city’s first woman mayor,” by the Chicago Tribune.

If you have any questions regarding this update or if you’re interested in ways to engage on these issues, please contact one of our team members here.

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